MedWaves has recently published “Small Mediterranean Islands at the Frontline: Advancing a Just Transition to a Circular, Plastic-Free Economy”, a position paper developed within the framework of the Interreg Euro-MED LooP Zone project, under the Mission dedicated to sustainable tourism.
The document proposes a series of policy recommendations and strategic messages that place Mediterranean islands at the center of the transition towards a fairer and more sustainable European circular economy.
Among the main recommendations are the inclusion of the specific needs of islands in EU legislation through a possible “insularity clause”, the allocation of dedicated funds for island circular economy projects, the strengthening of local governance and cooperation networks, as well as the development of adequate infrastructure (prevention and recycling, reuse, new business models, deposit-return systems, and marine litter collection). The importance of island-scale monitoring systems is also highlighted.
The proposed actions are structured across different time horizons: in the short term, it is suggested to integrate the results of the Interreg Euro-MED LooP Zone project into local regulations and fund pilot projects; in the medium term, to scale up reuse and recycling infrastructure and strengthen standards related to sustainable tourism; in the long term, to ensure full integration of islands into EU waste and climate objectives.
The initiative is a collective effort aligned with EU and Mediterranean goals (Green Deal, EU Plastics Strategy, Marine Strategy Directive, EU Islands Pact, EU Mission “Restore our Oceans and Waters 2030”, the Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean (UNEP-MAP)) and calls for an integrated island strategy with a clear focus on circular solutions.